Attachable caddy

ABSTRACT

Provided herein is a caddy device for attachment to an external surface of a bucket. The device permits holding items relative to the external surface of the bucket while permitting continued use of the interior of the bucket (e.g., to hold liquids) and/or allow attachment of a lid to the bucket. In an embodiment, the caddy device includes a semi-annular body that may be disposed about a portion of an outside peripheral surface of a bucket. In this arrangement, an interior periphery of the semi-annular body may be sized for disposition around a portion of an external periphery of the bucket. A tensile element, e.g., strap, extends around the remainder of the outside periphery of the bucket and attaches to first and second ends of the semi-annular body. A brim extends (e.g., cantilevers) outwardly from the semi-annular body. A plurality of apertures are disposed through the brim.

CROSS REFERENCE

The present application claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/747,451, having a filing date of Oct. 18,2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/767,027 having a filing dateof Nov. 14, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/797,019 havinga filing date of Jan. 25, 2019, the entire contents of each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a caddy device that is configured forattachment to another structure to support various items (e.g., tools)relative to that structure. In an embodiment, the present disclosurerelates to a semi-annular caddy that attaches to an outside surface of abucket to allow for securing items externally to the bucket whilepermitting continued use of an interior of the bucket to hold, forexample, liquids or other materials.

BACKGROUND

Bucket tool organizers or caddies are well known devices fortransporting and storing tools, utensils, or other useful implements.Such devices typically include a bucket mounted fabric tool carrierhaving a shape that conforms generally to the surfaces of an emptybucket. A number of individual pockets or dividers arranged about boththe interior and/or exterior portions of the container can be used toquickly store and organize variously sized objects for later access.

Numerous designs have been developed to convert existing buckets intotool organizers. Such designs include a fabric insert that drape overthe top edge of the bucket such that tools may be arranged in pocketsabout both an interior periphery of the bucket and an exterior peripheryof the bucket. Other designs include dividers and or trays configuredfor receipt within the interior of the bucket.

SUMMARY

The inventors have designed a caddy device for attachment to an externalsurface of a bucket. The device permits holding items relative to theexternal surface of the bucket while permitting continued use of theinterior of the bucket (e.g., to hold liquids) as well as attachment ofthe bucket lid during use of the device. That is, aspects of the presentdisclosure are based on the recognition by the inventors that whilenumerous bucket organizers exist, such organizer are typically based onthe premise that the interior bucket will not be used to carry orotherwise hold liquids or other materials once the organizer isattached. Further, the inventors have recognized that such a caddydevice may be beneficially applied to other structures. Accordingly,provided herein is a caddy device that attaches about a portion anotherstructure such as a bucket or backpack to allow for securing itemsrelative to an external surface of that structure.

In an aspect, an attachable caddy is provided that includes asemi-annular body that may be disposed about a portion of an outsideperipheral surface of a bucket. In this arrangement, an interiorperiphery of the semi-annular body may be sized for disposition around aportion of an external periphery of the bucket. A tensile element, e.g.,strap, extends around the remainder of the outside periphery of thebucket and attaches to first and second ends of the semi-annular body.By tightening the tensile element, the interior periphery of thesemi-annular body may be conformed to the exterior periphery of thebucket. This allows conforming the semi-annular body to different sizedbuckets (e.g., diameters). That is, the semi-annular body may beflexible enough to permit deflection around differently sized bucket.Accordingly, a single device may be configured for use with differentsized buckets (e.g., four, five and/or six gallons buckets). In otherarrangements, the device may be substantially rigid and configured foruse with a bucket of predetermined size. In any arrangement, whenapplied to the exterior of the bucket, the semi-annular body may bedisposed below the top edge and/or an annular peripheral rim of thebucket and secured in place using the tensile element.

In an arrangement, the semi-annular body includes an arcuate sidewallthat is configured for disposition against a portion of an outsideperiphery of a bucket. Such an arcuate sidewall includes a concaveinterior face between an upper edge and a lower edge that is configured(e.g., sized) to engage the outside surface of the bucket. The arcuatesidewall may, but need not, extend the entire length of the semi-annularbody between its first and second ends. A rim or brim attached to thearcuate sidewall extends radially outward from the sidewall to anexternal or exterior edge. That is, the brim may extend away from theconcave interior face of the sidewall (e.g., radially from a centerlineaxis of a bucket to which the device attaches). Stated otherwise, thebrim cantilevers from the annular sidewall. In an arrangement, the brimand sidewall are substantially transverse. The brim includes a pluralityof apertures that extend though its surface (e.g., between an interioredge attached to the arcuate sidewall and the exterior edge). Suchapertures may support various items (e.g., tools, fishing gear, etc.)when the device is attached to a bucket.

In a further arrangement, the concave interior surface of the arcuatesidewall includes a compressible material disposed over at least aportion of its surface. The compressible material provides improvedengagement between the exterior surface of the bucket and the caddydevice. Such compressible materials may include rubberized materials,fabrics and/or foams. In any arrangement, the compressible material maybe compressed when the tensile element is tightened.

In a further arrangement, the arcuate sidewall has a substantiallyconstant radius. That is, the arcuate sidewall may be semi-circularsidewall though not being limited to being a half circle. In anembodiment, the semi-circular sidewall may have a radius (e.g., constantradius) of between about five inches and about six and one-half inches.

The brim may attach to the arcuate sidewall at any location along theheight of the arcuate sidewall. However, it may be preferred that thebrim attach at or near the upper edge of the sidewall such that when thebrim is loaded (e.g., supporting tools) the lower portion of thesidewall is compressed against the outer peripheral surface of thebucket improving the connection between the caddy device and the bucket.The brim may extend over all or a portion of the length of the arcuatesidewall. Further, the brim may have a width that varies along itslength between its interior edge (e.g., connection point to the arcuatesidewall) and its exterior edge. In an arrangement, an upper surface ofthe brim is a planar surface.

The plurality of apertures form openings extending through the brimbetween its top and bottom surfaces. The apertures may have differingsizes and shapes. In an arrangement, at least one of the apertures maybe a large aperture having a cross-dimension (e.g., diameter) that is atleast thirty percent (30%) of a radius of the arcuate sidewall. In afurther arrangement, the large aperture may have a cross-dimension(e.g., diameter) that is at least fifty percent (50%) of a radius of thearcuate sidewall. In such an arrangement, one or more of the largeapertures may be sized to receive water bottles, other drink containers,lanterns etc. In a further arrangement, one or more of the apertures mayhave an insert (e.g., mesh, webbing etc.) that extends below theaperture. Such an insert may be a flexible bag having an open mouthattached about the periphery of the aperture.

The semi-annular body may be formed of any material including, withoutlimitation, polymers (e.g., plastics) metals and composites. In anarrangement, the semi-annular body (e.g., arcuate sidewall and brim) areintegrally formed. In one specific arrangement, the semi-annular body isinjection molded. When formed of a polymeric material, the thickness ofthe arcuate sidewall and brim are typically at least 0.08 in and morepreferably at least 0.10 in to provide rigidity for the device. Toprovide further rigidity for the brim (which typically cantilevers fromthe arcuate sidewall), one or more braces may extend between a bottomsurface of the brim and an outside surface of the arcuate sidewall. In afurther arrangement, the material has a specific gravity of less thanone such that the annular body will float if it becomes disconnectedfrom a bucket in a marine application.

In another aspect, a combined bucket and caddy device is provided. Thatis, a bucket and external organizer/caddy may be integrally formed(e.g., in an injection molding process). In one arrangement, a bucket isprovided having a tubular sidewall within an open upper end and a closedbottom end. A brim connects to an outside surface of the tubularsidewall proximate to the open upper end. The brim extends radiallyoutward from the tubular sidewall to an external or exterior edge. Thatis, the brim may extend radially away from a centerline axis of thebucket. The brim extends around half or less of the periphery of thebucket such that it does not interfere with the movement of a bail(e.g., handle) attached to opposing points on the outside surface of thetubular sidewall of the bucket. The brim includes a plurality ofapertures that extend though its surface (e.g., between an interior edgeattached to the tubular sidewall and the exterior edge). Such aperturesmay support various items (e.g., tools, fishing gear, etc.).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of caddy device attached to bucket.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show first and second perspective views of the caddydevice.

FIG. 3A shows a top view of the caddy device.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the caddy device.

FIG. 4 shows a caddy device integrated with a bucket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which at leastassist in illustrating the various pertinent features of the presentedinventions. The following description is presented for purposes ofillustration and description and is not intended to limit the inventionsto the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations andmodifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill andknowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the presentedinventions. The embodiments described herein are further intended toexplain the best modes known of practicing the inventions and to enableothers skilled in the art to utilize the inventions in such, or otherembodiments and with various modifications required by the particularapplication(s) or use(s) of the presented inventions.

Bucket organizers are typically fabric inserts that drape over the topperipheral edge of a bucket to provide various pockets on the exteriorand/or interior periphery of the bucket. Such organizes are impracticalfor buckets that will continue being used to hold liquids or bucketsthat require a lid in a closed position. Accordingly, provided herein isa bucket organizer or caddy (hereafter caddy device or device) that isadapted to engage an exterior of a bucket to allow for supporting itemson an exterior of the bucket. The device may be entirely free ofconnection or intrusion into an interior of the bucket to permitcontinued use of the interior of the bucket to hold liquids or othermaterials and/or to allow a lid to attach to the bucket while using thedevice. Though discussed in conjunction with its primary use with abucket, the caddy may be attached to the exterior of other structures toprovide a means for supporting items on an exterior of the structure.

FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of an attachable caddy ordevice 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the device 10 includes semi-annularbody 20 that is configured to engage a portion of outside periphery of abucket 50. The device 10 further includes a tensile element or tensilestrap 40 that connects to first and second ends of semi-annular body.The tensile strap 40 may be extended around the remainder of the outsideperiphery of the bucket 50 and may be tensioned to secure thesemi-annular body in place.

The semi-annular body 20 includes an arcuate sidewall 22 and a rim orbrim 30 that extends substantially transverse to the arcuate sidewall22. The arcuate sidewall 22 has a concave interior face, which generallydefines an inner periphery of the semi-annular body 20. This innerperiphery of the semi-annular body 20 is, in the present embodiment,configured to engage the outside surface of a bucket. In the illustratedembodiment, the arcuate sidewall extends continuously from a first end24A to a second end 24B and between a lower edge 26A and an upper edge26B. However, it will be appreciated that the arcuate sidewall may haveother configurations. What is important is that the sidewall curvesalong its length such that is may substantially conform to an outsidesurface of a bucket or be deformed (e.g., via the tensile element) tothe outside surface of a bucket. As best illustrated in FIG. 3A, thearcuate sidewall may, in an embodiment, be semi-circular. In such anembodiment, the inside periphery of the arcuate sidewall may have aconstant radius ‘R’. In such an arrangement, the radius may be selected(e.g., during design and manufacture) to correspond to a particularbucket. In one embodiment, the radius is between about five inches andabout six and one-half inches. Other sizes are possible.

In the illustrated embodiment, first and second apertures 28A, 28B(hereafter 28 unless specifically referenced) are formed through thesidewall proximate to the first and second ends 24A, 24B. Theseapertures 28 provide a location to attach the strap 40 to the annularbody 20. As shown, the apertures 28 are elongated to receive the widthof the generally flat strap and a first end of the strap 40 is attachedto the first aperture 28A and a second end of the strap 40 is attachedto the second aperture 28B. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 40includes an adjuster 42 (e.g., buckle) that allows adjusting the lengthof the strap 40.

The brim 30 extends outward or away relative to the inner surface (e.g.,concave surface) of the arcuate sidewall 22 forming cantilevered surface(See., e.g., FIG. 3B) when the device 10 is attached to a bucket. Inthis regard, an interior edge of the brim 30 is connected to and/ordefined by the arcuate sidewall 22. The brim 30 extends from theinterior edge to an exterior edge 33 forming a surface that issubstantially transverse to the sidewall (e.g., at each radial point ofconnection). As illustrated, the width of the brim (e.g., between theinterior edge and exterior edge) may vary over the length of thesemi-annular body 20. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the brim30 extends from arcuate sidewall over its entire length. However, itwill be appreciated that the brim 30 need not be continuous over thelength of the arcuate sidewall. In an embodiment, various braces 25 areformed between an outer surface of the arcuate sidewall 22 and thebottom surface of the brim 30. The braces 25 provide rigidity for thebrim 30, which cantilevers away from the sidewall. That is, the bracesprovide structural rigidity that allows the brim 30 to support variousitems without significant deflection, when the device is attached to abucket.

A plurality of apertures 32 are formed through the surface of the brim20 between its interior and exterior edges. The size, shape, number andlocation of these apertures 32 may vary and the illustrated apertures 32are presented by way of example only. These apertures 32 definereceptacles for holding various items when the device 10 is attached toa structure/bucket. In the present embodiment, two of the apertures arelarge apertures 32A having increased cross-dimensions (e.g., diameters)and which are formed in corresponding projections or wider portions ofthe brim 30. By way of example, the large apertures 32A may have across-dimension ‘CD’ that allows one or both of the large apertures toreceive, for example, a drink container/water bottle or other largeritem. See, e.g., FIG. 3A. In an embodiment, the cross-dimension of thelarge apertures may be at least thirty percent (30%) of the radius ofthe arcuate sidewall. In further embodiments, the cross-dimension may be40%, 50% or even 60% of the radius of the arcuate sidewall.

To facilitate use of the large apertures 32A to hold various items, eachlarge aperture may include an insert. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2Aand 2B, one embodiment of such an insert is a bag 34 (e.g., mesh bag)having its opening/mouth attached about the periphery of one of theapertures 32A with a closed end of the bag extending below the brim 30.When attached to the periphery of the aperture 32A, the interior of thebag is accessible through the top surface of the brim. As will beappreciated, the insert allows this large aperture 32A to be utilized tohold various larger items (e.g., a water bottle) or, for example looseitems.

The insert may, in an embodiment, fixedly attach to the large aperture.In another embodiment, the insert is removably connected to the largeaperture. As best shown in FIG. 2B, the large aperture includes anannular recess 36 formed in the top surface of the brim 30 about itsperiphery. This recess is configured to receive an annular ring 38. Morespecifically, the annular ring 38 is sized for receipt on a top surfaceof the annular recess. To maintain the annular ring 38 within theannular recess 36, the recess may have one or more retention tabs 44disposed about its periphery. In such an embodiment, the annular ring 38may be slightly deformed and positioned beneath the tab(s) 44. Theannular ring may be made of any appropriate material. Further, theannular ring 38 may be continuous or discontinuous (e.g., a split ring).When utilized to secure a fabric insert (e.g., bag 34) relative to alarge aperture, the annular ring 38 may be disposed through a sleeve 35formed about the top edge of the fabric insert.

To improve the connection between the caddy device 10 and the bucket,the concave interior surface of the arcuate sidewall 22, may furtherinclude a liner or other coating over all or a portion of its surface.The liner or coating typically provides a compressible material thatprovides improved engagement between the exterior surface of the bucketand the caddy device. As will be appreciated, most buckets are made of ahard plastic or metal. In various embodiments, the caddy device islikewise made of a rigid plastic resulting in a low coefficient offriction between the arcuate sidewall and the outside surface of thebucket. The coefficient of friction between these hard surfaces may beimproved with the insertion of a coating, liner and/or compressiblesurface therebetween. Such materials may include rubberized materials,fabrics and/or foams that are applied (e.g., adheres) to the interiorsurface of the caddy device 10. Such a liner 48 may be applied to all ora portion of the interior surface of the arcuate sidewall. See FIG. 2B.When utilizing a compressible material, the material may be compressedagainst the outside surface of a bucket when the tensile element istightened.

As previously noted, FIG. 1 illustrates application of the device 10 tothe bucket 50. Though not illustrated, it will be appreciated that thebucket 50 typically includes an external annular rim that extends aboutits outer periphery at or near the top edge of the bucket. Such anannular rim is commonly utilized to, for example, attach a lid to thebucket. The bucket may also include one or more lower annular rim(s)that is/are spaced a distance below the upper annular rim. The currentdevice may be attached at any location along the height of the sidewallof the bucket. Accordingly, the device may be attached such that it doesnot interfere with attachment of a lid to the bucket. To attach thedevice 10 to the bucket, the inner periphery of the arcuate sidewall 22of the semi-annular body 20 is positioned against the outer periphery ofthe sidewall of the bucket. The strap 40 is then position around theremainder of the periphery of the bucket 40. At this time, the strap 40may be tensioned (e.g., tightened) to draw the semi-annular body intoconformance with the outer periphery of the bucket 50. Along theselines, the semi-annular body 20 may be flexible such that it deforms tomate with the outer surface of the bucket. Such conformance may permitthe device to engage different sized buckets. Such tensioning may alsocompress a liner on the interior surface of the arcuate sidewall againstthe exterior sidewall of the bucket. Further, the strap may be used tosupport other items that are configured for attachment to, for example,a belt (e.g., knife scabbards, etc.)

In an embodiment, the body of the caddy device is integrally formed. Ina specific embodiment, the caddy device is made from a polymericmaterial that may be formed in an injection molding process. However, itwill be appreciated that other materials and means of forming the deviceare considered within the scope of the present disclosure. Whenutilizing a polymeric material, it is generally desirable that thematerial provide sufficient resistance to bending that the brim isminimally deflected under a load of a few pounds. In an embodiment, itis desirable that a stiffness of the polymeric material comply with ASTMD-790 and/or ISO 178, which each specify guidelines for determining theflexural properties of rigid and semi-rigid plastics under definedconditions. In an embodiment, the material chosen may have at least a100,000 PSI under ASTM D-790 and more preferably at least 200,000 PISunder ASTM D-790 to provide sufficient stiffness. Further, the thicknessand material selected may be altered to achieve desired deflection underload. In one embodiment, a thickness of an injected molded sidewall andbrim is at least 0.08 inches. In a further embodiment, the thickness isat least 0.10 for the sidewall and at least 0.16 for the brim. In oneembodiment, the material forming the arcuate sidewall and brim (e.g.,semi-annular body) will have a specific gravity of less than one suchthat the device will float. In one particular embodiment, high densitypolyethylene (HDPE) was selected based on all of the above notedfactors.

FIG. 4 illustrates another aspect of the present disclosure where anexternal bucket caddy (e.g., generally in accordance with theabove-disclosed embodiment) is integrally formed with an exterior of abucket to allow for supporting items on an exterior of the bucket. Aswill be appreciated, many buckets are produced in an injection moldingprocess. By modifying the mold utilized to produce an injection moldedbucket, a resulting bucket may be made with an integrally formed brimextending around a portion of its outside surface.

As shown in FIG. 4. the bucket 150 and brim 130 are integrally formed.In this embodiment, the brim extends outward from the tubular sidewall152 of the from a location proximate to the open upper end/top edge 154of the bucket 150. Though not illustrated, the brim 130 will typicallybe disposed a spaced distance below the top edge 154 to permitattachment of a lid to the bucket. The brim 130 may include any of theattributes discussed above in relation to the caddy device. Forinstance, the brim may include a plurality of apertures, largeapertures, fabric inserts. Further, bracing may extend between thebottom surface of the brim 130 and an outside surface of the tubularsidewall 154. Most typically, the integral brim 130 will extend aroundon-half or less of the periphery of the bucket 150. Along these lines,it will be noted that many buckets include a bail 156 (e.g., handle)that is pivotally connected to first and second opposing points 158(only one shown) on an outside surface of the bucket. The bail isgenerally configured to rest against the side of the bucket when not inuse and pivot to a position above the bucket when utilized to carry orlift the bucket. Accordingly, limiting the length of the brim toone-half or less around the periphery of the bucket and/or forming thebrim 130 between the connection points of the bail, the radiallyextending brim does not interfere with the movement of the bail relativeto one side of the bucket.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. Furthermore, the description is notintended to limit the inventions and/or aspects of the inventions to theforms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modificationscommensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of therelevant art, are within the scope of the presented inventions. Theembodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain bestmodes known of practicing the inventions and to enable others skilled inthe art to utilize the inventions in such, or other embodiments and withvarious modifications required by the particular application(s) oruse(s) of the presented inventions. It is intended that the appendedclaims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extentpermitted by the prior art.

1. A caddy device for attachment to an exterior surface of a bucket,comprising: a semi-annular body extending from a first end to a secondend, the semi-annular body having: an arcuate sidewall having a concaveinterior surface extending between a lower edge and upper edge, thearcuate sidewall extending over at least a portion of a length of thesemi-annular body between the first end and the second end; a brimattached proximate to the upper edge of the arcuate sidewall andextending transversely away from the concave interior face of thearcuate sidewall to an exterior edge, wherein a plurality of aperturesextend through the brim; and a tensile element connected proximate tothe first end and the second end of the semi-annular body, the tensileelement configured to apply a tensile force between the first end andthe second end of the semi-annular body when the arcuate sidewall isposition against an outside periphery of a bucket.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a compressible material disposed over atleast a portion of the concave interior face of the arcuate sidewall. 3.The device of claim 2, wherein the compressible material is a rubberizedmaterial.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein the compressible materialcomprises a foam.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the arcuate sidewallis semi-circular having a constant radius.
 6. The device of claim 5,wherein the constant radius is between 5 inches and 6.5 inches.
 7. Thedevice of claim 5, wherein a height of the arcuate sidewall between thelower edge and the upper edge is between fifteen percent (15%) and fortypercent (40%) of the constant radius.
 8. The device of claim 5, whereina width of the brim between an interior edge attached to the arcuatesidewall and the exterior edge of the brim varies over a length of thearcuate sidewall.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein one of the pluralityof apertures is a large aperture having a cross-dimension that is atleast thirty percent (30%) of the constant radius of the arcuatesidewall.
 10. The device of claim 8, the large an aperture has across-dimension that is at least fifty percent (50%) of the constantradius of the arcuate sidewall.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein thelarge aperture further comprises: a flexible bag having an open endconnected about a periphery of the large aperture, wherein a closed endof the bag extends below a bottom surface of the brim.
 12. The device ofclaim 11, further comprising: a ring connectable to the open end of thebag, wherein the ring is receivable in a recess about the periphery ofthe large aperture.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein a top surface ofthe brim is planar.
 14. The device of claim 1, further comprising atleast a first brace extending from a bottom surface of the brim to anoutside surface of the arcuate sidewall.
 15. The device of claim 1,wherein the arcuate sidewall and the brim are integrally formed.
 16. Thedevice of claim 15, wherein the arcuate sidewall and the brim are formedof a polymeric material.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein a specificgravity of the polymeric material is less than one.
 18. The device ofclaim 16, wherein the polymeric material has a stiffness of at least200,000 psi per ASTM D-790.
 19. The device of claim 16, wherein thearcuate sidewall and the brim are injection molded.
 20. (canceled) 21.The device of claim 1, wherein the tensile element comprises anadjustable strap. 25.-32. (canceled)